A private intimate video of Bengali social media creators Sofik SK and Dustu (Dustu) Sonali went online and quickly became viral. The couple say the clip was leaked by someone they trusted — a mutual friend — and they have accused that person of blackmail. The episode raised big questions about privacy, cybercrime and how fast online content spreads.
Who are the two creators?
Sofik SK is a young Bengali content creator who gained popularity through short reels, dance and comic clips. He is also known for work with the regional platform Palli Gram TV and had a big Instagram following before the controversy. Dustu Sonali (sometimes written “Dostu Sonali”) is a content creator who often appears in Sofik’s videos and lists “artist” in her Instagram bio. Reports say both had hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram at the time the news broke. (Hindustan Times)
What happened — the basic timeline
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A private video — reported in several outlets to be long (reports range around 15–19 minutes) — surfaced online and began to spread rapidly. (Republic World)
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The clip attracted huge attention and trended on social platforms. Many outlets and viewers debated whether the clip was real or a deepfake. (Moneycontrol)
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Sofik and Sonali posted videos on Instagram responding to the leak. They said the footage was private and apologised to followers while explaining their side. (Hindustan Times)
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The couple accused a friend of stealing the clip and leaking it after alleged blackmail attempts; Sonali said she has filed a complaint with cybercrime authorities. (Hindustan Times)
What the couple says (their version)
In videos and statements, Sofik said they had trusted a close friend with their phones and passwords. He says that friend took the private clip and later posted it online after attempts to blackmail them. Sonali has said the leak destroyed her life and that she even had suicidal thoughts because of the stress. They say legal action was started against the person they accuse. These claims have been repeated in several news reports that cited the creators’ own Instagram posts. (Hindustan Times)
What the news reports say (independent coverage)
News outlets picked up the story quickly. Most articles report similar facts: a private intimate clip went viral; the creators addressed it publicly; there are allegations of blackmail and a cyber complaint. Some reports also mentioned a debate online about whether the clip was genuine or could be a manipulated deepfake — a reminder that online material can be faked or doctored. The coverage varies in tone: some are sympathetic to the couple, others criticise content creators and discuss the pattern of “MMS controversies” that repeatedly go viral. (Republic World)
Why this matters — three simple points
1) Privacy and consent
When a private intimate recording appears online without consent, it’s a serious violation. Even if the people in it are public figures, they have a right to privacy. Leaking such content can cause emotional harm, social stigma, and long-term consequences for mental health and safety. Multiple reports say Sonali described the personal toll the leak took on her. (Hindustan Times)
2) Cybercrime and the law
Sharing private intimate content without permission can be a crime in many places. Victims can file complaints with cybercrime units, and platforms can be asked to remove content. The couple said they filed cases and contacted authorities — a common step that, if followed, can help track the leaker and remove copies from platforms. (Hindustan Times)
3) The deepfake risk and online rumours
In many viral intimate-video cases, people ask whether the video is real or manipulated. Experts and journalists have warned that deepfakes are becoming more common and can be weaponised to harm someone’s reputation. The debate around authenticity complicates how the public reacts — some rush to condemn, others question, and this uncertainty increases the victim’s suffering. News coverage of this story mentioned that some people online suspected manipulation. (Moneycontrol)
Tips for readers — what to do and not do
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Do not share or forward intimate clips. Sharing is a repeat of the harm and can be illegal.
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Respect privacy: avoid commenting aggressively or joining pile-ons on social platforms. Public shaming often deepens a victim’s trauma.
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Report content to the platform (Instagram, WhatsApp channels, etc.) so it can be removed. Most platforms have options to report non-consensual intimate imagery.
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Support victims: if you know someone affected, offer support and encourage them to contact authorities and legal help.
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Be cautious about “proof”: don’t assume something is genuine without proper verification — misidentification and deepfakes happen.
Common questions (quick answers)
Q: Did the couple do anything illegal?
A: News reports focus on the leak and the couple’s claim of being victims. There is no reliable public report proving the couple committed a crime; the main story is about the leak and alleged blackmail, not criminal acts by the victims. (Hindustan Times)
Q: Is the video a deepfake?
A: Some reports discussed the possibility but did not show definitive proof either way. Verification would require expert forensic checks; until then, both claims (real video vs. manipulated) circulate online. (Moneycontrol)
Q: What legal steps did they take?
A: The couple says they filed a case with cybercrime authorities against the friend they accused. News outlets reported the claim but did not publish police documents, so independent confirmation may come later through official channels. (Hindustan Times)
Final note — a call for caution and empathy
Viral scandals like this grow fast. They can ruin mental health and lives even before facts are fully known. The safer, kinder and more responsible response for the public is to stop sharing harmful content, wait for verified facts from the authorities, and remember that people on the other side of a screen are human beings. If the couple is telling the truth about being leaked and blackmailed, they are victims and deserve legal protection and emotional support. If there are other facts to emerge, let law and proper investigation sort them out.
Sources (selected news reports used for this blog)
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Hindustan Times — “Instagram viral couple leaked video controversy: Who are Sofik SK and Dustu Sonali?” (report on their posts and accusations). (Hindustan Times)
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Republic / regional outlets — background on the creators and details of the clip trending. (Republic World)
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OneIndia — reporting on the couple’s statements and emotional toll. (https://www.oneindia.com/)
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Moneycontrol — coverage that also raised the deepfake question and privacy debate. (Moneycontrol)
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NewsX / News reports — follow-up reporting on their Instagram responses and claims of blackmail.